North Haven, CT (September 1st, 2022) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) announced today it has been awarded an Air Force SBIR Phase I program, Innovative Engines for Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), for research and development of a highly efficient all-electric power and propulsion system. PCI will develop and demonstrate the exceptional capabilities and adaptabilities of the system by integrating a power-dense and robust solid oxide fuel cell, an advanced power generator with best-in-class power density and fuel-flexibility, a hybridized system with energy-dense power system to meet transient loads, and a readily scalable design for various UAS groups.
The core innovation of the advanced hybrid power generator lies in a novel combination of electrochemical and mechanical systems to achieve high . The hybrid structure will enable highly efficient electricity generation for high slew rates, rapid thermal cycling, and fast startup to meet the transient loads required for takeoff or landing needs. The system’s fuel flexibility will allow it to operate with energy-dense logistic jet-fuels for high system specific energy. The adaptability of the design also allows options between high electrical efficiency for extended range or specific power needs. Compared to the industry baseline, an initial estimate suggests significant capital, operational, and capability cost savings per airframe. Furthermore, the potential for low acoustic signature and propulsion flexibility is of great significance for various types of UAS deployments.
During Phase I of the project, PCI will identify and mitigate potential key risks of the system, such as its robustness, high altitude operation, acoustic signature, reliability, cost, specific power, and flight duration. Following the success of Phase I, we plan to partner with a UAS integrator with the aim to demonstrate a breadboard power and propulsion system at the end of Phase II, as well as an airframe-integrated propulsion design to confirm gravimetric and volumetric targets suitable for SUAS applications.
The system is estimated to bring significant savings per airtime in CAPEX cost for a comparable mission life over using reciprocating engines in addition to savings in OPEX cost driven by lower fuel and maintenance costs. Its ability to have an extended mission duration also contributes to a reduction of mission replacement aircraft, which may further reduce cost. The system’s adaptable characteristics further widen the range of potential applications in UAS and will be applicable for Navy and Army platforms as well. The technology also brings potential for commercial spin-out as its fuel flexibility can be leveraged to enable the use of practical fuels such as diesel in a highly efficient way, leading to various other applications.
“We believe our efficient and power-dense hybrid approach offers performance and value for applications like SUAS and beyond,” said Kevin Burns, President of PCI. “The potential of what this all-electric power and propulsion system can achieve is exciting, and we look forward to the opportunity to showcase what changes the technology can bring to various aerial missions and commercial applications.”
Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy and environmental technology company developing new reactors and systems for energy and environmental sector applications.
For more information, contact:
Anthony Anderson
Director, Marketing and Business Development
Email: aanderson@precision-combustion.com
